The story of Whitney Houston, from a pretty and highly gifted youth who dazzled millions with her unique voice, to a mature woman tormented and impoverished by drugs, is one that breaks many hearts.
Space would not allow me to detail the stories of millions whose lives have been destroyed by opioids and other drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine.
Sadly, these dangerous drugs became associated with the pop and rock culture of the 1950s-1990s, where smoking and drugs were seen as fashionable. Many music and movie stars fell through this addiction to drugs and never recovered until death swept them away. It was confirmed yesterday that Coolio, the rapper and singer of “Gangsta’s paradise” fame, died from fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine.
What started these opioids crises in America? Greed!!
I already noted in a previous write-up, that if Satan’s wife is Pride, their 1st-born son is Greed. Purdue Pharma, a pharmaceutical company founded by the Sacklers family (who are billionaires by the way), sent false reports on a pain killer drug they had made. This painkiller contained opioids. However, Purdue Pharma misled the FDA and hid the fact that it caused addiction, respiratory and mental problems, and death. After being approved in the 1990s, Purdue Pharma made billions from these opioids, while millions suffered.
Millions of Americans became addicted, and thousands died. When it was finally realized that the drugs were not working as claimed by Purdue Pharma, the approval was withdrawn. Today, as I write, Purdue Pharma is bankrupt from numerous court cases & the Sacklers have agreed to pay billions in compensations to those affected.
After being hooked to these drugs, many addicted persons turned to the “streets” for higher doses. Where could these drugs be found? Who will make them? Now that Purdue Pharma is out, the black market took over: Mexico and China. Mexico and China saw this as an opportunity to fill their pockets with dollars from America. So, they began making these opioids. After being made in China, they are shipped to Mexico, where they are pressed into tablets.
Just this week, some US politicians threatened invading Mexico to stop the drug makers with their military and Mexico wrote to China to help stop the making of the drugs. Interestingly, these tablets are made to look just like normal government-approved painkillers. This way, the drugs can be easily trafficked into the streets with little suspicion. Why, because they look like normal medicines from any pharmacy. Thus, the addiction has skyrocketed, impoverishing millions and making others rich. The Sacklers sold oxycodone, but China is selling a stronger one, through Mexico.
Remember, that before these opioids, cocaine was making its way into America through Mexico, so the trading channels were already there. Indeed, once people got used to cocaine, these underground pharmacies in Mexico began mixing the cocaine with methamphetamine, which made the “coke” very powerful and more addictive than only cocaine or methamphetamine.
Now the plot thickens. To be continued in Opium Wars IV.
“Numerous resources are available to offer assistance for individuals grappling with addiction, catering to those who seek the necessary support to overcome their challenges.“
